Yamal: I Don’t See a Problem with Him Taking a Short Holiday with His Girlfriend – Spanish Journalist

Spanish journalist Jordi Marti has addressed the growing attention surrounding Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage football sensation.

 

According to Tribuna.com, the young winger, who is just 18 years old, recently found himself in the middle of public discussion after being spotted on a trip to Croatia with his girlfriend, Argentine singer Niki Nicole, while recovering from an injury.

Marti spoke about the matter during Cadena SER’s program La Posesión de SPORT, offering a balanced perspective on the situation. He emphasized that young players, especially those in the spotlight, are bound to make mistakes as they learn to handle fame and responsibility.

“As Mbappé once said, when a player is 17 or 18 years old, he makes mistakes. What’s important is having the right people around him, those who can guide him, tell him what’s right, and what’s not,” Marti said.

The journalist made it clear that he does not see anything wrong with Yamal spending his free time with his girlfriend, even during an injury layoff. However, he stressed the importance of mentorship and support for the teenager.

“I don’t see a problem with him taking a short holiday with his girlfriend, but he needs guidance. He’s a smart, mature player, but someone must help him navigate these moments so that the media doesn’t twist the narrative,” Marti explained.

 

Marti also pointed out that the attention surrounding Yamal has been blown out of proportion, especially by those connected to Real Madrid. He believes rival fans and media outlets are closely watching the youngster’s every move, waiting for an opportunity to criticize him.

“Everything he does is exaggerated. They’re already comparing him to Neymar, which is way too early. Real Madrid players have done far worse things and faced less criticism,” he noted.

Finally, Marti suggested that this extra scrutiny comes from fear, the fear that Yamal could become Barcelona’s next long-term superstar. “They’re nervous because, after 15 years of Messi’s dominance, they suspect there could be another 15 years of Lamine Yamal’s dominance,” he concluded.